New Delhi, A court-appointed amicus curiae has filed a petition in the Supreme Court requesting several directions, including an order for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to submit an affidavit detailing the survey and actions taken regarding illegal and unauthorized constructions in the national capital.
STORY | SC-appointed amicus curiae seeks direction to MCD on action taken against illegal constructions
A court-appointed amicus curiae has moved the Supreme Court seeking various directions, including one asking the civic body MCD to file an affidavit indicating survey…
This urgent intervention is requested following the collapse of a five-story building allegedly built illegally in the Saidalajab area of Delhi. The incident on May 30 resulted in six deaths and at least 14 injuries. A bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan, while hearing a case related to Tamil Nadu on March 25, had expressed serious concern over widespread violations of building regulations and the alleged failure of municipal bodies to prevent unauthorized constructions.
The bench had directed a nationwide investigation into the misuse of residential properties and alleged illegal changes in land use. Senior advocate and amicus curiae Ajit Kumar Sinha, through advocate Govind G, approached the Supreme Court in a status report filed on June 4, requesting urgent intervention in the wake of the building collapse in Saidalajab. Sinha stated that the incident highlights the widespread problem of illegal constructions and regulatory failures.
Violations Recorded Since 2012, Yet Illegal Construction Continued
The report states that municipal authorities had registered multiple cases against the building in Saidalajab for alleged unauthorized construction. According to municipal records cited in the report, the first violation was recorded in 2012, and later in 2015 when additional floors were built. The report alleges that despite these actions, no effective enforcement measures were taken, and construction continued, resulting in the addition of a fourth and fifth floor shortly before the building collapsed.
The amicus curiae argued that the MCD failed to fulfill its statutory responsibilities by not taking timely action, such as sealing the premises or stopping further construction, despite repeated indications of violations. The report states that in light of these facts, the court may direct the MCD to file an affidavit detailing the survey and action taken on cases related to illegal and unauthorized constructions and unauthorized use of residential premises in all properties under its jurisdiction in Delhi.
Delhi Government Asked to File Affidavit on Compensation Plan
It also requests that the MCD be directed to conduct a structural audit of all buildings under its jurisdiction in Delhi and to seal and demolish illegal structures within a specified timeframe. The report states, ‘The MCD should be directed to file a detailed affidavit explaining how the construction of the five-story illegal building on plot number 261 of Western Marg in Saidalajab, New Delhi, was allowed to continue and what action has been taken against the officers responsible for negligence.’
The status report also says that the Delhi government and Delhi Police should be directed to file a report on the action taken regarding the recent building collapse (including the alleged involvement of municipal officials). The report states, ‘The government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi should file an affidavit stating how compensation can be provided to the families of the deceased.’
Supreme Court
Supreme Court
Delhi
Saidalajab
Tamil Nadu
New Delhi
MCD
Western Marg
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